By Nick Bellafatto Ringside
The “Son of a Legend” Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (47-1-1, 32 KO’s) of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico would this Saturday night at Carson, California’s Stubhub Center prevail over Texan Brian Vera (23-7, 14 KO’s) by scores of 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94 after ten rounds of boxing.
This verdict would be much to the disgust of the far majority of those in attendance, who continuously booing Jr. post-fight were ironically pro-Julio in the beginning.
A change of heart no doubt dually prompted by a game effort on the part of Vera, as well as a bit of disdain for Chavez Jr. who in retreat for much of the bout complained of low blows and head butts numerous times, of which although a reality, seemed inconsequential.
Add to this scenario the fact that punch stats favored Brian Vera who landing 176 punches of 734 thrown in comparison to Chavez Jr. attempting 328 blows to connect with a lessor 125, and controversy would indeed seem warranted.
In Jr.’s defense though, returning to the ring after surrendering his gifted title to its true owner Sergio Martinez slightly over a year ago, he connected with many more of the visibly appealing shots landed between the two, on occasion wobbling Vera, while defensively he would either elude or pick off much of what Brian had to offer up.
As a result, he reportedly with a broken hand would not only render the Austin native less than an effective aggressor in many an instance, but in addition would thwart Brian’s planned body attack, to be implemented as a result of Julio’s well publicized weight issues.
And for the fighter who much improved under the watch of 5-time trainer of the year Freddie Roach, J.C. Jr. would be without the services of Roach, instead opting to feature long time assistant Vladimir Baldenebro, while legendary fighter and father Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. would also make his way into the corner.
In any event, kudos to Vera who taking on a bigger man had no qualms whatsoever related to postponements, or to Chavez Jr.’s lack of discipline that would cause this bout to move up from an originally slated 160 pound middleweight limit past super middle, to near light heavy where the two would meet at a 173 pound catchweight.
